By LISA CAPOBIANCO
STAFF WRITER
Investing in infrastructure and reducing Connecticut’s gas tax are two top issues Henri Martin feels certain he wants to address if elected to the state senate seat for District 31.
A long-time resident of Connecticut, Martin said he has seen the state fall to its knees during the recession in 2008, recalling how the rise in gas prices resulted in the average household paying an additional $300 to $400 per month in its budget.
As a real-estate broker, Martin said he saw the effect these gas prices had on his business. “When you can’t make your mortgage payment because you have to [use] it [on] gas…you see the results on the housing market,” said Martin. “That’s an area where we can put more money into the consumer’s pocket across the board.”
Martin is the Republican candidate for State Senate District 31, which includes Bristol, Plainville, Plymouth, Thomaston, and Harwinton. A long-time real estate broker and land use developer in greater Bristol, Martin is currently serving a second term as Bristol city councilman in the First District. In addition, Martin also organized the Bristol Soccer League and has served on several Boards of Directors and Committees for numerous civic, professional and religious organizations across the region.
Martin said, out of all the special interest groups that lobby in the state capitol, the only group not represented is the taxpayer.
“There is no organization for the taxpayer, so I’m going to be the voice for the taxpayer,” said Martin.
If elected, Martin said he also would like to see more investments in the state’s infrastructure at a faster pace, noting the high volume of traffic that lingers on a variety of Connecticut highways such as Interstate 84 and Route 15 on a daily basis. Besides repairing roads and bridges, Martin said he also would like to see the cities and towns become connected in a quicker way.
One possibility mentioned by Martin was the railway.
“If it’s from Bristol to Hartford or from Waterbury to Hartford or going down toward the Stamford area, how do we connect them on a quicker way than what we’re doing right now, and the rail [system] is probably something we should be looking at,” said Martin, adding that improvements in the state’s infrastructure will help make Connecticut more business friendly.
Martin comes from a small business background. He grew up in a construction family, and after college, Martin joined his family’s construction business.
As the owner of Henri Martin Real Estate, Martin said his experience will help him serve as a guardian for other small business owners in his district if elected. Martin said as small businesses face a new fee or tax from the state, they could become discouraged to continue.
“I’ll be able to be the voice of reason,” said Martin, noting how he would be able to look at proposed legislation from a business point of view as senator. “Small businesses are living pay check to pay check right now.”
Martin added that the biggest challenge small businesses in Connecticut face today is there is not enough revenue coming in the doors.
“It’s not consistent,” said Martin. “There are little flurries of activity, and all of a sudden there’s a slowdown again.”
When asked about Connecticut’s fiscal health, Martin said the state is in “dire straits.” Martin said within the next two fiscal years (2016-2017), there is a projection of a $2.8 billion deficit, adding the state should examine its greatest costs.
“That’s a lot of money. This is reoccurring year after year after year,” said Martin. “I would look at what are your greatest expenditures.”
Comments? Email lcapobianco@BristolObserver.com.
Henri Martin